Top 10 Best Honeymoon Packages of India

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Unremarkable Agra offers one of the most remarkable and romantic sights in India, the magnificent monument of love that is the Taj Mahal.

Much can be said about the Taj Mahal -- it's India's most famous architectural marvel, it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage building, and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Furthermore, it took 22 years of painstaking work and 20,000 workers to complete. However, what makes the Taj Mahal so romantic is that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had it poignantly built out of love for his wife, who tragically died during childbirth. Her body is inside the monument, together with that of the emperor.

Where to Stay
What could be more romantic than having a close up and uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal from your hotel window? This is exactly what the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel offers. Located only 600 meters (0.4 miles) from the Taj Mahal, every room boasts a view of the Taj. In addition, the Amarvilas has one of India's best luxury spas. The spa also offers a view of the Taj, and claims to make its guests feel like royalty. Rooms at the Amarvilas cost from around $700 per night. However, they're worth the money. One of the most splendid sights you can possibly have is your own private view of the Taj Mahal, as it takes on different colored hues in the changing light of the day.

The Kodagu region of Karnataka, often referred to as Coorg (the English version of its name), is an extremely picturesque and alluring mountainous area in south India. The area is renowned for its coffee plantations. Its stunning scenic beauty is captivating.

Food and coffee lovers will get great pleasure from visiting Coorg. Imagine waking up with your loved one each morning to the fragrant aroma of coffee, fresh from the estates, and later in the day feasting on the distinctly spicy cuisine that the region is famous for. What a treat!

The highlight of a visit to Coorg is Abbey Falls, near the main town of Madikeri. The cardamom and coffee plantations that surround the falls really enhance its beauty. It's possible to hike there, as well as enjoy other treks around the area. Head to Raja's Seat for breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views across the valley, although it's much quieter there in the morning. This garden spot was apparently a favorite of the Kings of Kodagu.

Where to Stay
What's really romantic about Coorg is that it's possible to stay right amongst the coffee plantations. The Orange Country Resort is an idyllic and isolated property on sprawling plantation grounds. Tours of the plantation are offered, along with nature walks, guided bird watching trips, and excursions to local attractions. Luxurious private pool villas, with their own personal swimming pool, cost from $456 per night.

For those who prefer something more intimate or less expensive, there are many unique bed & breakfast "homestays" available on coffee plantations throughout Coorg. Mahindra Homestays offers a range of quality homestays in Coorg. Try a cozy private cottage at Honey Pot Homes, where you can dine in a tree house. You can also explore their sprawling 225 acre coffee estate, which has an unspoiled stream running through it.

Jaisalmer is often referred to as being straight out of a romantic Arabian Nights fable. It's a cliche, but how better to describe this remarkable sandstone city that rises magically from the sand dunes of the Rajasthan desert?

During medieval times, Jaisalmer was an important part of the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. Its mesmerizing ancient fort, built in 1156, is perched high on a pedestal overlooking the city. Inside, the fort is alive and spellbinding. It houses five palaces, several temples, and some exquisite havelis (mansions), as well as shops and other residences.

A camel ride into the desert brings the fairytale to life. Multiple day safaris sleeping out under the stars are popular but even a couple of hours spent in the desert, watching the sunset on the sand dunes with a picnic, is enough to inspire great romance.

Where to Stay

To make the romantic fairytale complete, a stay inside the fort at one of the inviting and characterful converted havelis is a must. What these hotels lack in luxury, they make up for with charm.

One of the best is the Garh Jaisal Haveli Hotel. It has seven gorgeously decorated rooms, all equally appealing but with different rich color schemes. Each room has a palatial window seat with amazing vista of the city and desert below. For an added touch of romance, the hotel can arrange all kinds of special celebrations. Rooms cost from $100 a night.

Another memorable option is the Hotel Victoria. Its three big rooftop balconies have panoramic sunset views. Simple but attractively furnished rooms cost from $30 per night. The hotel also has a desert camp with mud cottages, luxury tents (with proper toilets), campfire, music and folk dance, and camel ride. So romantic!

Another of India's most beautiful regions is the Kerala backwaters. This maze of inland narrow canals, wide rivers, and vast expanses of water stretches all the way from Kochi in the north to Trivandrum in the south.

Time seems to stand still along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters. Occasionally, you'll get a glimpse of the rural Kerala lifestyle, set against a fertile green landscape of paddy fields, mangrove forests, and thick clusters of coconut palms.

Where to Stay

One of the most romantic ways to experience Kerala is by hiring a traditional houseboat, meandering along the backwaters, and sleeping out in the middle of a lake. It's so quiet, you'll feel like you're the only people on earth. The houseboats are very comfortable, and come complete with well furnished bedroom, bathroom, deck, driver, and personal chef. The more luxurious models even have air conditioners. Romance abounds at night under the stars when you can dine, bathed in warm lantern light, on delicious freshly prepared south Indian cuisine.

If a stay on land is more preferable, the luxurious Zuri Kumarakom Resort & Spa on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom has all the ingredients necessary for romance. The Lagoon View Cottages have outdoor sitting areas on the shore of the lagoon, and an outdoor rain shower. The Lake View Pool Villas are more indulgent, and have private gardens with independent pool and jacuzzi. The hotel even offers a houseboat with on board jacuzzi for those who wish to combine both experiences! Not to be overlooked is the hotel's award winning Maya spa, which gives some very rejuvenating Ayurvedic and Oriental treatments. Superior rooms start from $150 per night. Lagoon View Cottages start from $250 per night.

Nature and wildlife lovers will find plenty to be romantic about at Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan. The park is full of history, having witnessed many battles played out on its land, and the rise and fall of many rulers. Some of India's most fascinating wildlife can be found in the park. In fact, the chances of spotting a tiger in the wild there are amongst the best in the country. In contrast with many national parks in India, Ranthambore is also really accessible and easy to get to.

The park itself is surrounded by the Avaralli and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, with steep rocky hills and plains, dry deciduous forest, and open grassy meadows lakes and rivers. The landscape is dominated by the formidable 10th century Ranthambore Fort. It's a huge structure that contains ruined pavilions, splendid monuments, and three Hindu temples. Perfect for exploring together!

Where to Stay

It would be difficult to not to feel romantic when staying in a seductive luxury tent at the Aman-i-Khás resort. There are only 10 sumptuous Mughal inspired tents at this resort, located on the fringes of the national park, making it very intimate. The tents are not cheap, at $875 per night, but the experience is unforgettable and service superb.

Another option for a romantic stay is the luxury jungle camp at Khem Villas. This stylish but unpretentious property has been created in a wilderness area that was lovingly established by the owner, a keen tiger conservationist, on the outskirts of the national park. Nature walks, village and jungle trips, and nighttime campfires are some of the highlights you'll be able to enjoy there. Rooms cost 8,000 rupees ($175), tents 12,000 rupees ($260), and cottages 15,000 rupees ($330) per night. Rates include meals.

Surrounded by the Himalaya mountains, Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj when they ruled India. Now it's the state capital of Himachal Pradesh.

This wonderfully cool and charming town sprawls along a mountain ridge, enveloped in oak, pine and rhododendron forests. It's quite famous for its colonial Tudor and Neo-Gothic style buildings, and historic railway.

The Kalka-Shimla train is a picture of romance as it slowly winds its way through the misty mountains and thick pine forests. If possible, try and book one of the special Shivalik Queen compartments for honeymooners. The fresh, crisp air is so invigorating and enlivening, while the scenery will transport you to a world far away from urban tensions, where romance comes naturally.

Where to Stay

The Oberoi's luxurious and award winning Wildflower Hall hotel is the perfect place for romance. Its location, a 45 minute picturesque drive from Shimla, is serenely isolated and affords spectacular views over the cedar forests and snowcapped peaks. The hotel was once the residence of Lord Kitchener during the reign of the Raj, and a great deal of effort has been put into restoring it. The hotel's luxury spa is a particular delight for couples, with its private suite and of course views. Couples can also enjoy relaxing together in the outdoor jacuzzi, and take romantic walks though the fragrant forest accompanied by a gourmet picnic hamper. For those who like adventure and adrenaline, there are also plenty of activities such as white water rafting, horse riding, and ice skating on offer. Rooms cost from $450 a double, and its worth paying the little bit extra for a Premier Mountain View room.

Udaipur could possibly be the most romantic city in India. It's an enchanting place full of old mansions, beautiful gardens, intricate temples, and grand palaces overlooking expansive shimmering lakes.

The City Palace, which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, leaves visitors spellbound. The way it's been constructed is exquisite, with Rajput military architecture and Mughal style decorative techniques both combined together. For an added touch of romance, there are captivating views of the lake and city below from its many balconies, courtyards, and towers.

Where to Stay

Since Udaipur is a city of palaces, it's only natural that you'd want to stay in one! Not only is this possible but there are many options on offer. You'll find a wide range of authentic palace hotels in Udaipur to suit every taste and requirement.

If money isn't a concern, the best choice for a romantic stay would have to be the Taj Lake Palace. Often referred to as one of the world's most romantic hotels, it's a magical 250 year old white marble and mosaic summer palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola. It seems to miraculously float on the lake, but is actually built on a natural foundation of four acres of rock. As if this doesn't make the hotel special enough, the level of service there is quite like no other. With a 350 employees for 83 rooms, the staff-to-guest ratio is particularly high. Each room even has its own butler! A real treat is the royal spa boat, which will take you on a romantic escapade while you soak in the hot tub with a glass of fine wine or champagne.

There's something infinitely romantic about the sound of waves crashing against a rocky shore, uninterrupted sunsets over the ocean, salt air brushing against your skin, and tasty fresh seafood. One of the best places to find this in India is Varkala beach, in the southern state of Kerala.

The setting of Varkala beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with its long stretch of cliff bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks and bungalows. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is the sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top.

The cliff is particularly alluring in the evenings, when the beach shacks are warmly lit, candles flicker, and the smell of incense often wafts through the air. Relax and enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the many beach shacks!

Where to Stay

The Villa Jacaranda is a quiet boutique guest house that absolutely oozes romance. It's set amongst incredibly beautiful landscaped gardens full of tropical plants, on a hill over looking the ocean. There are only four rooms, all of which are bright and airy, and uniquely decorated with furniture collected by the owners over the years. The room on the top floor has a wonderful sea view, and exclusive use of a large balcony with rooftop garden. This makes it the perfect private retreat, particularly as the guest house is located right away from the busy cliff. Rooms at the Villa Jacaranda cost around $100 per night.

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